Brabant Silver Gros

The Brabant Silver Gros was often struck using silver recycled from captured Spanish coins, a practical necessity during the Dutch Revolt. That reuse helped fund resistance efforts without depleting local resources.

Weighing around 3.5 grams with a fineness of about 80% silver, these coins bore the Brabant lion on one side and a cross on the other. Variations appeared over the decades, reflecting changes in rulers and mints, though records from some years are spotty. Mintage figures? Largely unknown, lost to time and perhaps a fire or two.

One oddity: the Gros sometimes turned up in unexpected places, like a farmer's field. Proves that even coins have a way of wandering.

Design-wise, it's straightforward, no frills—just functional currency for a turbulent era.